The Pittsburgh company, which also makes baked beans, vinegar, and Classico pasta sauce, had said in February that it was being acquired and taken private by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, a private investment firm run by Brazilian billionaires.

The firms noted at the time that Berkshire would act as a financing partner while 3G would run the company. The appointment is further evidence that Heinz will be an active investment by 3G, in contrast to Buffett’s traditionally more passive approach.

Get Talking Points in your inbox:

An afternoon recap of the day’s most important business news, delivered weekdays.

Hees, a 43-year-old Brazilian who is also a partner at 3G, became chief executive of Burger King after the firm bought the struggling hamburger chain in 2010.

He has since slashed costs, revamped the chain’s menu, and launched a major marketing campaign. The moves set the groundwork for Burger King’s return to the stock market last spring in a deal that allowed 3G to more than recoup its investment while remaining the majority owner.